Day 1: Arrival in Anchorage

Day 2: Alaska Railroad to Prince William Sound

Transfer by local taxi on your own to board the historic Alaska Railroad bound for the coastal town of Whittier, one of the most scenic rail journeys in Alaska. Along the way are opportunities to view moose, Dall sheep, Bald eagles, and occasionally pods of Beluga whales in Turnagain Arm. Passing through the tunnel under the Chugach Mountains the train emerges in the picturesque port of Whittier on the shores of Prince William Sound.
Whittier is a year-round, ice-free port built by the US military in WWII as a secret supply depot. We are met by our skipper and crew of the MV Babkin (or MV Alexandra for small private parties) and begin our exploration of the pristine bays, inlets, glaciers and wildlife habitat of Prince William Sound. On our small yacht, we have many opportunities to explore secluded coves other vessels cannot reach. It is through these intimate experiences that we touch the Alaska wilderness. Overnight aboard the MV Babkin (8-10 persons).

Days 3-5: Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound is surrounded by the 14,000 foot snow-covered peaks of the Chugach National Forest that tower over this coastal wilderness. Shaped over millions of years by hundreds of glacier carved fjords and thousands of secluded inlets, opportunities for exploration are endless. The marine and terrestrial ecosystem is habitat for Humpback whales, Orca whales, Dall porpoise, salmon, Black and Brown bear, Sea lions, seals, otter, puffins, Bald eagles, and other wildlife. Protected from ocean swells by its fjords and barrier islands, the calm waters of Prince William Sound are ideal for cruising, wildlife observation, photography, and fishing.
We carry sea kayaks and an inflatable Zodiac skiff aboard for daily shore excursions including naturalist- led hikes through the moss and lichen draped spruce, cedar and hemlock forests, around peatland bogs, crossing salmon spawning streams, and up alpine meadows to vantage points overlooking spectacular glaciers and the snow-covered peaks of the Chugach Range.
There are many opportunities for sea kayaking in calm coves late into the Alaskan evening (no experience necessary) enabling us to explore the beautiful coastline and wildlife up-close. Our itinerary is flexible to take advantage of weather, wildlife sightings, and your special interests. Delicious meals are prepared by the crew including crab, shrimp and fresh fish that you catch! Overnights are aboard the MV Babkin.

Day 6: Prince William Sound to Anchorage

We enjoy one final day exploring the Alaskan coast as we make our way back to Whittier. An afternoon shuttle takes us back to Anchorage in time for dinner, and the Copper Whale Inn has great recommendations of where to go. Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn.

Day 7: Free Day in Anchorage

Today is free day on your own with many options to explore Anchorage. We recommend a visit to the
Anchorage Museum of Art and History or come face to face with Alaska’s First Nations at the Alaska
Native Heritage Center. Here five distinct indigenous groups proudly present their cultures in a lakeside
village setting where boat building, dance performances, storytelling, artisan demonstrations and
interpretive exhibits are part of the interactive experience.

Day 8: Camp Denali Naturalist Bus to Kantishna

Today we journey from Anchorage to the heart of Denali National Park. A comfortable shuttle takes us 5 hours to the Denali park entrance where we meet the Camp Denali naturalist bus. Resident naturalist guides narrate this 90-mile, 7-hour drive deep into Denali National Park stopping frequently to learn about the park’s glaciology and flora, cultural heritage and legends, and its incredible mega-fauna. We have good chances of seeing grizzly and black bear, moose, caribou, loons, beaver, dall sheep, and possibly wolves. We learn how different species adapt to life in the subarctic and studies of the impacts of climate change in the high latitudes of North America. Total travel time is 12 hours.
Overnight in the heart of Denali National Park in your own authentic wilderness cabin at Camp Denali. Cabins are heated by a wood-burning stove, lit by propane lamp and each has a water spigot and outhouse just outside the door—flush toilets and hot water showers are in a communal building a short 2- 7 minute walk to the main lodge where meals are served.

Days 9-10: Denali National Park

Our days are spent exploring around Kantishna in the heart of Alaska's premier wilderness with resident naturalist guides leading easy to strenuous hikes through alpine and tundra ecosystems. We delve into this rich natural habitat along rivers, lakes and ridge-top trails with magnificent panoramic views of the Alaska Range. The beautiful scenery of Kantishna is also habitat for grizzly and black bear, caribou, dall sheep, wolves, Arctic fox, and moose. Activities offered include guided hikes, and opportunities to use canoes, mountain bikes, fishing gear, try your hand at gold panning, and evening presentations in the lodge. Overnight in your own cabin at Camp Denali.

Day 11: Mt. McKinley Scenic Flight to Anchorage

Our morning bush plane back to Anchorage is a spectacular scenic flight passing over vast glaciers, through mountain passes, and around the snow-covered peaks of the Alaska Range including Mt. McKinley (20,320 ft), the tallest mountain in North America and the highest mountain from base to summit in the world! Overnight at the Copper Whale Inn.